How to Pay Utility Bills in China Without Losing Your Mind

Paying your utility bills in China can feel like a confusing maze when you first arrive. 🧾 What’s covered in your rent? What do you have to pay yourself? How do you even know what you owe? If you’re a foreigner trying to survive your first apartment in China, this guide is for you.

Step 1: Know what utilities you’re responsible for

In most rental apartments in China, the monthly rent covers the building management fee (a.k.a. property fee or 物业费), but not your actual utilities. That means you’ll likely need to pay for:

• Electricity (电费)
• Water (水费)
• Gas (燃气费)
• Sometimes internet and drinking water

Always clarify with your landlord what’s included in the rent. Some short-term rentals might bundle utilities, but long-term leases usually don’t.

Step 2: Find out how billing works in your building

This is where things get tricky. There’s no “one-size-fits-all” system. Some buildings still use paper bills shoved under your door. Others have QR codes stuck in the elevator. Some utilities are prepaid, others are postpaid. 😵‍💫

Usually, the electricity is either:

• Prepaid—you’ll need to “recharge” it monthly using your meter number
• Postpaid—you’ll be billed monthly based on usage

Ask your landlord or agent for the meter number (电表号), and where the bill shows up (in an app, on a WeChat mini program, or somewhere else).

Step 3: Use Alipay or WeChat to pay (yes, it works!)

Good news: you probably won’t need to go to a bank or utility office. Just use Alipay (支付宝) or WeChat (微信) to pay directly.

In Alipay, go to:

1. Home screen → “Utilities” or “City Services” (城市服务)
2. Select your city
3. Choose the utility you’re paying (water, electricity, gas)
4. Enter your meter/account number
5. Confirm and pay!

In WeChat, use the “WeChat Pay” tab, then look for a service called “生活缴费” (Life Services) or use a specific mini-program like “State Grid” for electricity.

Step 4: Some bills must be paid through building-specific platforms

Some new buildings or serviced apartments require payment through their own property app or via a QR code in the elevator or posted on your door. 🤷‍♂️ If you scan it, it’ll open a mini-program where you can see the monthly charges and pay with WeChat or Alipay. It might even auto-notify you monthly.

Step 5: Always screenshot your receipts 📸

After payment, screenshot your receipts and send them to your landlord (if required). This avoids disputes and helps if anything goes wrong—especially when it’s time to move out.

Bonus Tips:

• If your electricity is prepaid, top up early—some meters cut off instantly when the balance hits zero 😬
• If you see mysterious charges, ask the property manager or building security—weird fees happen
• Some landlords help you pay and then charge you later—make sure they’re sending you the real bills

Once you get the hang of it, paying your utility bills in China is actually pretty smooth. The first month might be full of “what the heck is this fee?” moments, but you’ll be scanning QR codes and topping up like a pro in no time. 💡💧🔥